Tag Archives: Perception

Stoicism

The key to control is not in controlling external events, but in controlling your own mind.

Epictetus

11 Smart Ways to Deal with Toxic People | Stoic Philosophy

11 Smart Ways to Deal with Toxic People | Stoic Philosophy

11 Smart Ways to Deal with Toxic People | Stoic Philosophy

The Wisdom of Stoicism

Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early 3rd century BC. Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means of overcoming destructive emotions. The philosophy asserts that virtue (such as wisdom) is happiness and judgment should be based on behavior, rather than words. Here’s a look into Stoicism:

Core Principles of Stoicism

  1. Logic and Perception:
    • Stoics emphasize the importance of logic and the objective perception of the world. They believe in perceiving reality as it is, without the influence of personal bias or emotional reactions.
  2. Virtue as the Sole Good:
    • The primary principle in Stoicism is that virtue alone is good and that it is sufficient for happiness. Virtue includes wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation.
  3. Control and Indifference:
    • Stoics distinguish between things that are within our control (our own judgments, impulses, desires, and aversions) and those that are not (wealth, health, reputation). They strive to remain indifferent to what lies outside their control.

Practices of Stoicism

Mindfulness (Prosochē)

Awareness of Judgments:

  • Stoics believe that our judgments about impressions—our interpretations and the meanings we ascribe to external events—are the root of our emotions and actions.
  • Practicing Prosochē involves observing these judgments closely and critically, asking whether they align with reality and virtue.

Present Moment Focus:

  • By concentrating on the present moment, Stoics seek to avoid being swept away by thoughts of the past or anxieties about the future.
  • Mindfulness is a tool for remaining in the present, ensuring that one’s attention is not divided or distracted from the task or situation at hand.

Rational Use of Impressions:

  • Impressions are seen as neither good nor bad in themselves; it is the value we assign to them that gives them their moral weight.
  • Stoics strive to respond to these impressions rationally, rather than impulsively or emotionally.

Harmony with Nature:

  • Nature, to the Stoics, represents the rational order of the universe. Living in harmony with nature implies living according to reason and virtue.
  • Mindfulness ensures that one’s actions are deliberate and aligned with the Stoic virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation.

Virtue as a Guide:

  • Virtue is considered the sole good in Stoicism, and being mindful of one’s intentions and actions ensures that these are always striving towards virtue.
  • Practitioners reflect on their actions in the context of the common good and their roles within society, always working towards the betterment of themselves and others.

Self-Reflection and Adaptability:

  • Stoics regularly engage in self-reflection as a part of mindfulness practice, evaluating their progress and areas for improvement.
  • This reflection also involves adapting one’s behaviors and strategies in pursuit of a virtuous and wise life.

Dichotomy of Control

The Basic Dichotomy

  • Within Our Control: According to Stoicism, the only things truly within our control are our own thoughts, perceptions, and actions. This includes our judgments, intentions, desires, and aversions.
  • Outside Our Control: Everything external to our own mind and will is ultimately out of our control. This encompasses outcomes, other people’s thoughts and actions, our reputation, and most external events.

Implications for Living

  1. Mental Freedom: By focusing on what is within our control, we can achieve freedom from the tyranny of external events. We no longer hinge our well-being on unpredictable or uncontrollable circumstances.
  2. Emotional Serenity: When we stop trying to control what is not ours to control, we can maintain emotional balance. The Stoic ideal is to remain undisturbed by external events while finding joy and satisfaction in our internal moral life.
  3. Proactive Living: The Dichotomy of Control does not imply passivity. Stoics advocate for taking responsible and considered actions within the sphere of what they can control, while being prepared to accept whatever outcome ensues.

Application in Daily Life

  • Setting Intentions: Recognize that while you can set goals and work towards them, the final outcomes depend on factors outside your control. The Stoic would focus on the effort, not the result.
  • Social Interactions: Understand that you cannot control other people’s actions or thoughts, only your reactions and attitudes towards them.
  • Emotional Management: When faced with negative emotions, remind yourself that it’s your judgments about an event, not the event itself, that are causing these feelings. Then, work to change those judgments.

Memento Mori and Premeditatio Malorum

“Memento Mori” and “Premeditatio Malorum” are two Stoic exercises designed to foster resilience and appreciation for life by confronting some of the most challenging aspects of human existence: mortality and misfortune.

Memento Mori: Remembering Death

  • Latin for “Remember that you must die,” Memento Mori is an exercise in reflection on the inevitability of death.
  • Purpose of Practice:
    • It encourages individuals to live with a heightened sense of the value of the present moment, knowing that life is temporary and fragile.
    • It serves as a motivator to engage in life fully and ethically, as each action could be one’s last.
    • It instills a sense of humility, as death is the great equalizer that all humanity shares regardless of status or wealth.
  • How It’s Practiced:
    • Through daily contemplation or symbolic reminders (such as skull imagery), individuals remember the transitory nature of life.
    • It’s used to gauge the importance of one’s actions and concerns, asking whether a given pursuit will hold value in the face of death.
  • Impact on Behavior:
    • This reflection is intended to strip away trivial concerns and refocus on what truly matters in life, such as virtuous living and the pursuit of wisdom.

Premeditatio Malorum: Anticipating Adversity

  • Latin for “Pre-meditation of Evils,” this practice involves contemplating potential future hardships or misfortunes.
  • Purpose of Practice:
    • To mentally prepare oneself for challenges and setbacks, thereby lessening their emotional impact when they occur.
    • To appreciate current conditions, no matter how humble or challenging, by understanding that circumstances could always be worse.
    • To develop contingency plans and the ability to adapt to changing situations.
  • How It’s Practiced:
    • Practitioners envision different scenarios in which things go wrong, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant life upheavals.
    • They visualize their response to these scenarios, fostering a prepared mindset and emotional resilience.
  • Impact on Behavior:
    • The practice is not about pessimism but readiness. It helps individuals maintain composure and practicality in the face of adversity.
    • It reinforces the idea of the Dichotomy of Control by highlighting what one can prepare for and what one can manage through one’s own actions.

The philosophy of Stoicism – Massimo Pigliucci

The philosophy of Stoicism – Massimo Pigliucci

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-philosophy-of-stoicism-massimo-pigliucci What is the best life we can live? How can we cope with whatever the universe throws at us and keep thriving nonetheless? The ancient Greco-Roman philosophy of Stoicism explains that while we may not always have control over the events affecting us, we can have control over how we approach things.

The philosophy of Stoicism – Massimo Pigliucci

The World Within – C.G. Jung in His Own Words – Documentary – Psychology audiobooks

The World Within – C.G. Jung in His Own Words – Documentary – Psychology audiobooks

A 1990 Documentary about Carl Gustav Jung that explains his standpoints mainly by using footage of him talking. Free psychology audiobooks.

The World Within – C.G. Jung

Being Perceived in Autism Explained

Beyond the Surface: Understanding Autism and the Dynamics of Perception

Understanding Autism: Navigating Perception and Bias

Perception and the experience of being perceived can have distinct nuances for autistic individuals, shaped significantly by societal attitudes, biases, and stereotypes. Autistic people often navigate a world where their behaviors and ways of being are constantly scrutinized, misunderstood, or judged negatively. This external perception profoundly influences their self-perception and interactions with the world.

Understanding Perception in Autism

Perception involves processing sensory information in ways that can be vastly different from neurotypical individuals. This can lead to unique interpretations of social cues, facial expressions, and body language, central to social interaction and communication. Autistic people may perceive these cues in a more intense or diminished capacity, or they might focus on different aspects of the environment or interaction than their neurotypical counterparts do.

The Experience of Being Perceived

Being perceived, or the awareness of being observed and judged by others, carries significant weight for autistic individuals. The knowledge of existing negative stereotypes and biases toward autism often colours this awareness. Common misconceptions about autism can lead to a presumption of incapacity, emotional unavailability, or other negative traits that do not accurately reflect the individual’s abilities or inner world.

Learn more about the experience of being perceived here.

Impact of Negative Stereotypes and Bias

Negative stereotypes and biases can profoundly affect autistic individuals in several ways:

  • Social Isolation: Fear of judgment or misunderstanding can lead to social withdrawal, as autistic individuals might prefer to avoid situations where they feel their actions or words will be negatively perceived.
  • Self-esteem Issues: Constantly being perceived through a lens of bias or stereotype can erode self-confidence and self-esteem, making it challenging for autistic individuals to see their values and strengths.
  • Internalized Ableism: Exposure to negative stereotypes can lead to internalized ableism, where autistic individuals might begin to view their neurodivergence as something to be fixed or hidden rather than a natural variation of the human brain.
  • Barriers to Support: Stereotypes and biases can also create barriers to receiving appropriate support and accommodations, as the actual needs and capabilities of autistic individuals may be overlooked or misunderstood.

Reacting to Autism

Public reactions to autism can vary widely, but unfortunately, adverse reactions are all too common. These can range from overt discrimination and exclusion to subtler forms of bias, such as condescending attitudes or underestimating abilities. Witnessing or experiencing these reactions can reinforce the feeling of being an outsider and can exacerbate the challenges autistic individuals face in social integration and self-acceptance.

Moving Forward

Addressing the negative perceptions and experiences of being perceived requires a societal shift towards greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of neurodivergence. Education, advocacy, and representation are crucial in challenging stereotypes and biases. For autistic individuals, finding supportive communities where they can be understood and accepted for who they are is vital for fostering a positive self-image and confidently navigating the world.

In conclusion, the perception of autistic individuals and their experience of being perceived is intricately linked to societal attitudes towards autism. Overcoming the negative impacts of stereotypes and bias is essential for creating a more inclusive society where autistic people can live authentically and without fear of judgment.

Gestalt Language Processing

What is Gestalt Language Processing?

Gestalt Language Processing, a concept deeply rooted in Gestalt psychology, involves understanding language by perceiving it as a whole rather than merely focusing on its individual components (like words or phrases). This approach is particularly relevant in the context of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), where language processing can differ significantly from neurotypical individuals.

Brain Mechanisms in Gestalt Language Processing

  1. Holistic Processing: In Gestalt language processing, the brain tends to perceive language in its entirety, recognizing patterns and overall structures rather than dissecting smaller parts. This can be linked to the functioning of the brain’s right hemisphere, which is known for its ability in holistic processing and pattern recognition.
  2. Neural Connectivity: Individuals with a Gestalt style of language processing may have different neural connectivity patterns. For example, there might be enhanced connectivity in regions responsible for holistic processing or reduced connectivity in areas typically involved in detailed, sequential processing.
  3. Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processing: In Gestalt language processing, there’s often a stronger reliance on top-down processing (using context or previous knowledge to understand language) than bottom-up processing (building understanding from basic elements like phonemes or words).

Gestalt Language Processing in Autism and ADHD

  1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
  • Literal Interpretation: Individuals with ASD often process language in a very literal sense. While this may seem contrary to Gestalt principles, it reflects a different kind of holistic understanding, where the focus is on the concrete meaning of phrases as a whole.
  • Difficulty with Non-Literal Language: Challenges may arise in understanding sarcasm, idioms, or metaphors, which require integrating language components in a non-literal, more abstract manner.
  • Social Communication Challenges: Gestalt processing in autism can contribute to difficulties in grasping the subtleties of social communication, such as picking up on non-verbal cues or implied meanings in conversations.
  1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
  • Distractibility: ADHD can lead to difficulties in maintaining attention, which might affect the ability to process language coherently and holistically. This can result in missing a conversation’s bigger picture or gestalt.
  • Impulsivity in Language Processing: Individuals with ADHD might jump to conclusions or respond impulsively in conversations without fully processing the entire context or meaning.

Gestalt Language Processing in Daily Life

  1. Communication Styles: People who process language in a Gestalt manner may prefer direct, clear communication and struggle with ambiguous or implied meanings. They may also be adept at recognizing patterns in language or speech, like recurring themes in stories or conversations.
  2. Learning and Education: Traditional educational methods that rely heavily on linear and sequential language processing might not be as effective for those with a Gestalt processing style. These individuals might benefit from more visual, context-rich, and holistic learning approaches.
  3. Social Interactions: Gestalt language processing can impact social interactions, as understanding jokes, sarcasm, or subtle social cues might be challenging. This can affect personal relationships and social integration.
  4. Workplace Adaptation: In professional settings, individuals with a Gestalt processing style may excel in roles requiring big-picture thinking but need support in tasks requiring detailed sequential processing or interpretation of nuanced social cues.

In summary, Gestalt language processing reflects a holistic approach to understanding language, which can manifest differently in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions like ASD and ADHD. Recognizing and adapting to these differences in daily life, education, and professional environments can significantly improve communication and overall well-being for those with these processing styles.

The Brain and Its Functions

The Brain 101

The human brain, a complex organ, orchestrates myriad functions that define our thoughts, behaviours, and experiences. Its study, neuroscience, has evolved significantly over the centuries, providing deeper insights into its intricate operations and profound influence on individual and societal levels.

History of Neuroscience

Early Foundations:

  • Ancient Insights: The journey into understanding the brain began with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, who recognized the brain’s role in sensation and function.
  • Greek Contributions: Hippocrates, the father of medicine, posited that the brain was the center of intelligence, a revolutionary idea at the time.

Renaissance to Enlightenment:

  • Anatomical Discoveries: Advances during the Renaissance, particularly through the detailed anatomical drawings by Leonardo da Vinci, propelled forward our understanding of brain anatomy.
  • Philosophical Perspectives: Thinkers like René Descartes introduced concepts of dualism, discussing the relationship between the mind and the physical brain.

Modern Developments:

  • Localization of Functions: Studies by Paul Broca and others in the 19th century brought about a greater understanding of brain function localization.
  • Technological Advancements: In the 20th century, the invention of tools like EEG and later MRI and PET scans revolutionized our ability to study and visualize the brain in action.

The Brain’s Major Structures and Their Functions

Interactive Brain | How the brain works & the impact of injury

Take an interactive journey to see how the brain works and what impact an injury can have

Interactive Brain (Has parts that light up!)

Cerebrum:

  • Function: The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher cognitive functions including reasoning, emotions, decision-making, and voluntary physical actions.
  • Structure: Composed of two hemispheres (left and right), it features a highly wrinkled surface with folds (gyri) and grooves (sulci) to increase surface area, enhancing processing capabilities.
  • Sub-parts: Includes the frontal lobe (judgment, problem-solving), parietal lobe (sensory information processing), temporal lobe (auditory processing and memory), and occipital lobe (visual processing).

Cerebellum:

  • Function: It is essential for motor control, fine-tuning movements, balance, coordination, and cognitive functions like attention and language.
  • Structure: Located beneath the cerebrum at the back of the skull, optimized for precise neural processing.

Brainstem:

  • Function: It maintains vital life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure and facilitates the flow of messages between the brain and the body.
  • Structure: Comprises the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Limbic System:

  • Function: Supports emotions, behaviour, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction, crucial for emotional responses and memory formation.
  • Components: Includes the amygdala (emotion processing), hippocampus (memory and navigation), thalamus (sensory and motor signal relay), and hypothalamus (hormonal and autonomic function regulation).

Conclusion

The Brain’s Comprehensive Role: The brain is central to our neurological functions and to our existence as conscious, thinking beings. Its complex structures and myriad functions allow us to interact with, perceive, and understand the world around us. Through continuous advancements in neuroscience, we gain insights not only into health and disease but also into the very fabric of what makes us human.

The Brain Book: Development, Function, Disorder, Health

The Brain Book: Development, Function, Disorder, Health [Ashwell BMedSc MB BS PhD, Ken, Restak M.D., Richard] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Brain Book: Development, Function, Disorder, Health

The Brain Book by Professor Ken Ashwell

Negative Bias

Overcoming Negative Bias: The Historical Context and Persistent Challenges of Autism

Negative biases towards autism profoundly affect autistic individuals’ lives, influencing how they are perceived by others and how they view themselves. This blog post explores the historical roots of these biases, their effects on autistic individuals in various aspects of life, and the ongoing efforts needed to combat these prejudices.

Historical Examples of Negative Bias and Its Consequences

  1. Early Misunderstandings and Treatments:
    • 19th Century Europe: Autism, not yet named, was often confused with schizophrenia or psychosis. Autistic behaviors were misunderstood as signs of madness, leading to inhumane treatments like confinement in asylums where individuals received minimal care and faced abuse.
    • Leo Kanner (1940s): Kanner first described “early infantile autism” and posited it resulted from cold and unaffectionate parenting. This “refrigerator mother” theory propagated a blame culture, stigmatizing families and isolating autistic individuals further.
  2. The Rise and Fall of the Psychoanalytic Approach:
    • Mid-20th Century: Psychoanalysis dominated autism therapy, focusing on altering the supposed “emotional disturbances.” Treatments often ignored the actual needs and potentials of autistic individuals, emphasizing conformity over understanding.
  3. Institutionalization and Its Legacies:
    • 1960s-1970s USA: Many autistic individuals were institutionalized, often living in poor conditions with inadequate care. The belief that they could not learn or live independently led to lifelong institutionalization for many, stripping them of personal agency and growth opportunities.

Impact of Negative Bias on Perception by Others

  • Misunderstanding of Behavior: For example, Henry Cavendish, an 18th-century scientist suspected to have been autistic, was often described as reclusive and antisocial. His need for solitude was misunderstood, overshadowing his contributions to science.
  • Underestimation of Abilities: Historical figures like Nikola Tesla, who exhibited behaviors now commonly associated with autism, faced ridicule and isolation due to their unconventional thinking and habits.
  • Social Exclusion and Discrimination: Throughout history, from Renaissance geniuses to modern-day innovators, many potentially autistic individuals were marginalized, their talents overshadowed by their social peculiarities.

Impact on Self-Perception

  • Internalization of Negative Views: Famous autistic individuals like Temple Grandin initially struggled with self-esteem due to the negative feedback about their behaviors, which were often deemed inappropriate or strange.
  • Mental Health Challenges: The isolation and stigma can lead to severe mental health issues, as seen in the historical accounts of autistic scholars and artists who lived solitary, troubled lives.

Effects in Various Life Aspects

  • Home: Family dynamics often suffered under the weight of misunderstanding and stigma, as seen in the strained family relationships of historical autistic figures who were often viewed as burdens.
  • School: Educational settings have historically failed many autistic individuals by not accommodating diverse learning needs or addressing bullying, leading to a lack of academic and social development.
  • Work: The labor market has often been unwelcoming to autistic individuals, misunderstanding their unique needs and capabilities, which leads to underemployment and unemployment, as evidenced by the professional struggles of many intellectually capable autistic adults throughout history.

Combating Negative Bias

  • Promotion of Autism Awareness: Educational programs from the 1980s have gradually helped shift perceptions, emphasizing the abilities and potential of autistic individuals rather than just their challenges.
  • Advocacy and Inclusion Efforts: Advocacy groups, often led by autistic individuals, have worked tirelessly to change laws and policies to support better integration and accommodation in all spheres of life.
  • Cultural Shift: The portrayal of autistic individuals in media and literature has slowly begun to reflect more diversity and depth, showcasing autistic individuals as complex and capable rather than simply as caricatures.

Conclusion

The history of autism is marked by misunderstanding and marginalization, but it is also a story of gradual progress and empowerment. By learning from the past and continuing to advocate for inclusive and supportive environments, society can ensure that autistic individuals are recognised and fully appreciated for their unique contributions to our world. Moving forward, it is crucial that we all—educators, employers, policymakers, and community members—work together to dismantle the lingering stigmas associated with autism.